Reclining chair having improved leg-rest control arrangement



Oct. 15, 1963 A. LORENZ RECLINING CHAIR HAVING IMPROVED LEG-REST CONTROL ARRANGEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 29. 1960 INVENTOR. ANTON zamwz.

Oct. 15, 1963 A. LORENZ 3,107,118

RECLINING CHAIR HAVING IMPROVED LEG-REST CONTROL ARRANGEMENT Filed Dec. 29. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. a Z! 3 24 INVENTOR. fl/VTOA/ AO/PEA/Z.

Oct. 15, 1963 A. LORENZ 3,107,118

RECLINING CHAIR HAVING IMPROVED LEG-REST CONTROL ARRANGEMENT Filed Dec. 29, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. 5. W

3 INVENTOR.

A/VTO/V LORENZ Oct. 15, 1963 Filed D80. 29, 1960 A. LORENZ 3,107,118 RECLINING CHAIR HAVING IMPROVED LEG-REST CONTROL ARRANGEMENT v 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 7.

INVENTOR. ANTON ZOIQMZ BY w United States Patent 3,107,118 RECLINING CHAIR HAVING IMPROVED LEG-REST CONTROL ARRANGEMENT Anton Lorenz, Ocean Ridge, Boynton Beach, Fla. Filed Dec. 29, 1960, Ser. No. 79,417 8 Claims. (Cl. 29789) The present invention relates generally to reclining chairs, and in particular to an improved leg-rest control arrangement for a reclining chair of the type including a support, a body-supporting means having a seat and backrest movably mounted on the support and a leg-rest coordinated to move to an elevated leg-supporting position in response to the movement of the body-supporting means relative to the support.

The well known reclining chair includes a support, body-supporting means movably mounted on the support, and a leg-rest normally disposed in a stored position and movable to an elevated leg-supporting position incident to the movement of the body-supporting means into a fully reclined position. The body-supporting means may have either a unitary or rigid body-supporting unit to provide a so-called rester type of chair or may have a separate seat and separate back-rest mounted for inclining and reclining movement respectively to provide a so-called recliner type of chair. The body-supporting means and the leg-rest are coordinated to each other such that for each increment of movement of the body-supporting means rearwardly and towards the fully reclined position, there is a corresponding movement of the leg-rest towards the elevated leg-supporting position such that when the body-supporting means moves into the fully reclined position, the leg-rest arrives at the requisite elevated leg-supporting position. In a typical chair, the back-rest of the body-supporting means is disposed at an angle of approximately 45 to the floor line in the fully reclined position, while the leg-rest is elevated to a position substantially horizontal and parallel to the floor line. As a practical matter, the leg-rest should not have appreciably beyond a horizontal attitude relative to the floor line, or beyond a prescribed location in relation to the seat, in that the legs of the chair occupant should be accommodated in an elevated but slightly bent position for optimum comfort. There are a number of intermediate positions between the sitting position and the fully reclined position in the usual reclining chair, however as a practical matter, the only position appropriate for proper relaxation is the fully reclined position or one relatively close thereto wherein the leg-rest is sufficiently elevated to appropriately support the legs of the chair occupant.

With the recent development of the multiple movement reclining chair, which is provided for first and second movement phases and an intermediate, tilted sitting position at the end of the first movement phase wherein the leg-rest has moved to an elevated leg-supporting position, further problems are presented in establishing an appropriate control for the leg-rest. In multiple movement chairs of either the rester or recliner types, the bodysupporting means moves through a. first movement phase from a sitting position wherein the leg-rest is stored to an intermediate, tilted sitting position wherein the leg-rest is elevated; and then the body-supporting means moves through a second movement phase from the intermediate, tilted sitting position into various reclining positions and finally into a fully-reclined position during which the leg-rest should remain appropriately oriented relative to the body supporting means. In such multiple movement chairs, it is important that the leg-rest not be overelevated or over-extended as the chair moves through the second movement phase from the intermediate, tilted sitting position to the fully reclined position. In many 3,167, 18 Patented Get. 15, 1953 instances, it is advantageous if the leg-rest is independently controlled such that it will move at a different rate relative to the body-supporting means in the second movement phase, or in fact move in a direction opposite to the body-supporting means during such second movement phase, to maintain an appropriate orientation relative to the floor line and/or to the body-supporting means for comfortably accommodating the legs of the chair occupant.

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved reclining chair of the multiple position or movement type which is capable of attaining an infinite number of intermediate positions in which the chair 0c cupant is accommodated in a tilted attitude with the occupants legs supported in an elevated leg-supporting posi tion appropriately oriented to the body-supporting means and to the floor line for optimum comfort. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide an improved leg-rest control arrangement for a reclining chair which enables the substantially continuous movement to a number of intermediate positions wherein the body-supporting means and the leg-rest are optimumly positioned relative to each other and to the chair support for comfortably accommodating the chair occupant in attitudes appropriate for television viewing, reading, sewing or the like and/or complete relaxation.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating objects and features of the present invention, there is provided a reclining chair which comprises a support, body-supporting means including a seat and backrest, and mounting means operatively connected to and mounting the body-supporting means to the support for movement through first and second movement phases. The mounting means includesa carrier member, a front supporting link pivotally mounted on the support at a front supporting pivot and pivotally connected to the carrier member at a front pivotal connection and a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on the support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to the carrier member at a rear pivotal connection. The carrier member and front and rear supporting links serve as three movable links of a four-bar supporting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate the front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof. Means are provided for establishing a stationary position for the supporting linkage when the chair is in the sitting position in which the supporting linkage remains throughout the first movement phase. Guiding means movably mount the body-supporting means on said carrier member and said support and include a front guiding link, means pivotally mounting the front guiding link on the carrier member at a front pivotal mount and connecting the front guiding link to the body-supporting means at a front guiding pivot, a rear guiding link, and means pivotally mounting the rear guiding link on the support at a rear pivotal mount and pivotally connecting the rear guiding link to the body-supporting means at a rear guiding pivot. The chair further includes a leg-rest and a leg-rest mounting linkage which is operatively connected to and mounts the leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position in response to movement of the body-supporting means. In a typical embodiment the leg-rest mounting linkage includes at least a first mounting link having a first pivotal mount on the body-supporting means, a second mounting link having a second pivotal mount on the supporting linkage, and an actuating link pivotally connected to the body-supporting means and to the second mounting link of the leg-rest mounting linkage for moving the leg-rest into the elevated leg-supporting position as the body-supporting means moves into the intermediate, tilted sitting position. The front and rear guiding links turn during the first movement phase about the front and rear pivotal mounts to guide the body-supporting means into the intermediate, tilted sitting position. Means are provided for blocking the turning of one of said front and rear guiding links. when the body-supporting means moves into the intermediate, tilted sitting position at the end of the first movement phase. The supporting linkage is effective during the second movement phase to guide the body-supporting means into the fully reclined position and to adjust the elevated leg-supporting position of the leg-rest relative to the body-supporting means and to the support.

Advantageously, the degree of elevation of the leg-rest during the second movement phase may be rendered independent of the inclination or tilting of the body-supporting means during the second movement phase such that an appropriate orientation of the leg-rest relative to the body-supporting means may be maintained or established.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of several presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a reclining chair embodying features of the present invention, shown with one side thereof removed and illustrated in the upright or sitting position;

PEG. 2 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the chair in an intermediate, tilted sitting position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the chair in a fully reclined position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment of reclining chair demonstrating further features of the present invention and illustrated in the upright or sitting position;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the chair in a fully reclined position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a still further embodiment of a reclining chair demonstrating still further features of the present invention and illustrated in the upright or sitting position;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 6, but showing the chair in the intermediate, tilted sitting position; and,

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the chair in the fully reclined position.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a reclining chair demonstrating features of the present invention which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and includes a support or frame 12 having opposite side walls 14, 16 interconnected by suitable cross braces 18, 20 and supported on depending legs 22. A body-supporting means, generally designated by the reference numeral 24 and including a seat 2-6 and a back-rest 28, is mounted on the support 12 for movement for an upright or sitting position illustrated in FIG. 1 through a first movement phase into an intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 2 and from the intermediate, tilted sitting position through an infinite number of reclining positions to the fully reclined position illustrated in FIG. 3. In this illustrative embodiment, the seat 26 and the back-rest 28 are rigid with each other to provide a reclining chair of the rester type.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat is a legrest 30 which is mounted on a double-four bar or lazy tong type of leg-rest mounting linkage 32, to be subsequently described in detail, for movement from the stored position illustrated in FIG. 1 to various elevated legsupporting positions as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein the leg-rest is appropriately oriented relative to the bodysupporting unit 24 and/ or to the floor line or support 12 to accommodate the legs of the chair occupant in an ele: vated, but slightly bent position.

A mounting means, generally designated by the reference numeral 34, is provided for mounting the body-supporting unit 24 on the support for movement through the respective first and second movement phases. The mounting means 34 includes a carrier member or link 36 which extends fore and aft of the chair frame 12 and is movably mounted thereon. The carrier member 36 remains stationary during the first movement phase, as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 1 and 2, and is displaced rearwardly relative to the support during the second movement phase as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 2 and 3. The carrier member 36 is movably mounted on the support 12 by a front supporting link 38 which is pivotally mounted on the support 12 at a front supporting pivot 49 and pivotally connected to the carrier member 36 at a front pivotal connection 42 and a rear supporting link 44 which is pivotally mounted on the support 12 at a rear supporting pivot 4-6 and pivotally connected to the carrier member 36 at a rear pivotal connection 48. The carrier member 36, the front supporting link 38, and the rear supporting link 44 serve as three movable links of a four-bar supporting linkage which includes as the stationary link thereof the portion of the support intermediate the front and rear supporting pivots 40, 46. The rearward and upward movement of the carrier member as relative to the support during the second movement phase may be established by selection of appropriate link lengths and the location of the pivots for the four-bar supporting linkage.

Means are provided for establishing a stationary position for the supporting link when the body-supporting unit 24- is in the sitting position in which stationary position the supporting linkage remains throughout the first movement phase. in this illustrative embodiment, this means takes the form of a slotted stop 59 which is mounted on the support 12 in straddling relation to the rear supporting link 44. The stop 5%) includes a forward abutment Stir; against which the rear supporting link 44 rests throughout the first movement phase and a rear abutment 5912 against which the rear supporting link 44 comes to hear at the end of the second movement phase (see FIG. 3).

Guiding means are provided for movably mounting the body-supporting unit 24 on the carrier member 36 and on the support 12 which together provide a stationary link or support during the first movement phase. The guiding means includes a front guiding link 52 having lost motion connection to the carrier member 36 which includes an elongated slot =54 formed in the lower end of the front guiding link 52 which receives a pin 56 mounted adjacent the forward end of the carrier member 35. In the sitting position illustrated in FIG. 1 and throughout the first movement phase, the pin 56 remains at the upper end of the slot 54. The weight of the body-supporting unit 24 and of the chair occupant maintains the links of the supporting linkage in the relationship illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. until such time as the supporting linkage is actuated whereupon the front and rear supporting links 33, 44 will turn in the clockwise direction about their respective sup porting pivots 4t}, 46 as will subsequently be described. The upper end of the front guiding link is pivotally connected to the seat 26 of the body-supporting unit 24 at a front guiding pivot 58. The guidin means is completed by a rear guiding link 60' which has a'rear pivotal mount 62 on the support and a rear guiding pivot 64 to the rearward portion of the body-supporting unit 24 at a point spaced from the front guiding link 52.

Provision is made for blocking at least one of the front and rear guiding links 52, 60 against movement relative to the support when the body-supporting unit 24 moves through the first movement phase and into the intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 2. In this illustrative arrangement, the rear guiding link 60 contacts the rear cross brace 26 serving as a stop such that during the second movement phase the body-supporting unit 24 turns at its rearward end about the rear guiding pivot 64 serving as a relatively stationary pivotal mount. This turning movement of the body-supporting unit 24 about the rear guiding pivot 64 during the second movement phase is imparted to the supporting linkage including the carrier member 36 via the front guiding link 52 serving as a connecting link. At the start of the second movement phase, there is a lost motion travel of the slot 54 on the link 52 relative to the pin 56 until such time as the lower end of the slot 54 contacts the pin 56 to thereafter provide a pivotal connection between the front guiding link 52 and the carrier member 36 of the supporting linkage. After this initial lost motion travel, the turning movement of the body-supporting unit 24 about the rear guiding pivot 64 is effective to actuate the supporting linkage, with the front and rear supporting links 38, 44 thereof turning about the respective supporting pivots 40, 46.

The initial sitting position for the body-supporting unit 24 relative to the carrier member 36 and to the support is established by the cross brace 18 (see FIG. 1) serving as a stop. The cross brace 18 is appropriately positioned to establish the desired upright sitting position, while the stop 50 is appropriately positioned to establish the desired starting position for the supporting linkage.

The leg-rest mounting linkage 32 includes a first pair of mounting links 65, 68 having a pivotal connection 70 at their adjacent ends and a second pair of mounting links 72, 74 having a pivotal connection 76 at their adjacent ends. The mount-ing link 72 'has .a pivotal mount 78 at its upper end on the seat 26. Intermediate its ends the mounting link 72 crosses over the mounting :link 68 and has a pivotal connection 86 thereto. The mounting link 74 has a pivotal connection 82 at its forward end to the leg-rest 30, while the mounting link 68 has a pivotal connection 86 at its forward end to the leg-rest at a point spaced from the pivotal connection 82. Finally, the mounting link 66 has a pivotal mount 84 on the front sup porting link 33 at a point spaced forwardly and above the pivotal connection 42 to the carrier member 36' The described arrangement will be recognized as a lazy tong type of leg-rest mounting linkage, but other leg-rest mounting arrangements including two or more pairs of mounting links having one mounted on the supporting linkage and another mounted on the body-supporting means may be employed in accordance with the present invention.

An actuating means is operatively connected to the body-supporting unit 24 and to the leg-rest mounting linkage 32 and is effective during the first movement phase to move the leg-rest 39 from the stored position illustrated in FIG. 1 to the extended and elevated leg-supporting position illustrated in FIG. 2. As will be described, the over- 1 control arrangement is such as to maintain and/or adg st the position of the leg-rest 39 in relation to the bodysupporting unit 24 during the second movement phase. In this embodiment, the actuating means take the form of an actuating link 88 which has its upper end pivotally connected to the seat 26 at the pi otal mount 78 and has its lower end pivotally connected to the leg-rest mounting link 66 at a pivotal connection 96 spaced from the pivotal mount 84 thereof on the supporting linkage.

During the first movement phase, the carrier member 36 and the front and rear supporting links 38, 44 remain stationary such that the pivotal mount 84 of the leg-rest mounting linkage 32 is effectively stationary. Accordingly, in response to the upward and rearward tilting movement of the body-supporting unit 24 from the sitting position illustrated in FIG. 1 to the intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 2. under the control of the four-bar guiding linkage including the front and rear guiding links 52, 60, the mounting link 66 will be turned in the clockwise direction about the pivotal mount 84 incident to the pulling force exerted thereon by the actuating link 88. This swings the leg-rest 36 from the stored position 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 to the extended and elevated leg-supporting position illustrated in FIG. 2.

During the second movement phase, the body-supporting unit 24 turns about the rear guiding pivot 64 serving as a relatively stationary pivotal mount and thereby exerts a pulling force via the actuating link 88 on the mounting link 66 which has a tendency to continue to turn the mounting link 66 about the pivotal mount 84. Concurrent with this turning movement of the mounting link 66 about the pivotal mount 84 the supporting linkage 36, 38, 44 is displaced upwardly and rearwardly relative to the support, with the front and rear supporting link 38, 44 turning in the clockwise direction about the supporting pivots 40, 46. This displacement moves the pivotal mount 84 of the mounting link 66 upwardly and rearwardly concurrent with the turning movement of the mounting link 66 about its pivotal mount 84 to bring about an adjustment or compensation in the elevated leg-supporting position of the leg-rest 30 during the second movement phase. This may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein it is seen that the leg-rest 30 is maintained substantially at the same level with relation to the support or floor line. However, the pitch or inclination thereof is somewhat changed, with the forward end of the leg-rest being somewhat lowered and the rearward end being somewhat elevated to establish an optimum position for the leg-rest 3% in relation to the seat 26 of the body-supporting unit 24. It will be appreciated that by the provision of the movable support for the pivotal mount 84- during the second movement phase which brings about a displacement of the pivotal mount 84 towards the relatively stationary pivotal mount 64 for the bodysupporting unit 24 there is provided a control over the elevation, extension and attitude of the leg-rest 30 which is essentially independent of the control for the tilting or reclining movement of the body-supporting unit. By appropriate selection of the parameters for the leg-rest mounting linkage 32 and for the supporting linkage 36, 38, 44 and their respective pivotal connections, it is possible to reestablish and/or maintain prescribed positions for the leg-rest 30 throughout the second movement phase after establishing an initial elevated position at the end of the first movement phase.

In order to facilitate a more thorough understanding of this illustrative embodiment according to the present invention, there follows a description of a typical sequence of operations:

When the chair occupant is seated in the body-supporting unit 24 and urges his or her weight rearwardly relative to the support 10, the body-supporting unit moves rearwardly with respect to the relatively stationary carrier member 36 and the support 12. During such first movement phase, the body-supporting unit 24 is guided by Y the four-bar guiding linkage which includes the front guiding link 52 and the rear guiding link 60. The bodysupporting unit moves into the intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 2 .which position is established when the rear guiding link 6% contacts the rear cross brace 21 serving as a stop. During such first movement phase, the leg-rest 30 is elevated incident to the turning of the mounting link 66 about the relatively stationary pivotal mount 84. Throughout the first movement phase, the weight of the body-supporting unit and of the occupant is effective to maintain the slot 54 with its upper end in engagement with the pin 56 thereby providing a simple pivot about which the front guiding link 52 may turn during its iirst movement phase. Vlhen the chair arrives at its intermediate, tilted sitting position of FIG. 2, the leg-rest is elevated and extended forwardly of the seat 26 and in an appropriate attitude both in relation to the body-supporting unit 24 and to the support 12 to comfortably accommodate the legs of the chair occupant.

In response to continued rearward pressure against the body-supporting unit 24, the second movement phase will be initiated with the body-supporting unit turning about pivotal mount.

the rear guiding unit 64 serving as a relatively stationary Incident to such turning movement and upwardly directed pulling force is imparted to the supporting linkage including the carrier member 36 via the front guiding link 52 which causes the supporting linkage to turn about the stationary pivotal mount 4t), 46. Initially, no force is transmitted to the supporting linkage due to the short lostmotion travel of the slot 54 relative to the pin 56; however, after this lost motion travel there is provided an effective pivotal connection between the front guiding link 52 and the carrier member 36 :which transmits motion the supporting linkage. During the second movement phase, the leg-rest St} is maintained in an elevated leg-supporting position but its attitude and elevation is changed due to the turning movement of the pivotal mount 34, the corresponding movement of the mounting links of the leg-rest linkage 32 and the concurrent rearward displacement of the pivotal mount 84. The end of the second movement phase is established when the rear supporting link 4-4 contacts the rear abutment The lost motion means including the slot 54 and the pin 55 between the front guiding link 52 and supporting linkage is optional in this illustrative embodiment and may be replaced by a simple pivotal connection between the front guiding link 52. and the carrier member 36. Such lost motion means produces a relatively short lost motion travel at the beginning of the second movement phase to delay the transmission of the lifting force from the front guiding link 52 to the carrier member 36 until such time as the lower end of the slot 54 contacts the pin 56. During such relatively short lost motion travel at the start ofthe second movement phase, the body-supporting unit 24 is turning about the rear guiding pivot 64-, and accordingly the pivotal mount 78 of the leg-rest mounting linkage 32 moves upwardly and rearwardly, while the pivotal mount 84 thereof remains stationary. Accordingly, the le -rest mounting link 32 and the leg-rest 36 is not retarded or delayed in its elevation during the first portion of the second movement phase, while the relatively short lost motion travel occurs between the front guiding link 52. and the carrier member 36. However, at the end of such first portion, and when the front guiding link 52 is effectively pivotally connected to the carrier member 36, the pivotal mount 84 of the leg-rest mounting linkage 32 on' the four-bar supporting linkage moves rearwardly and upwardly to achieve the desired adjustment of the elevation of the leg-rest 3% in relation to the support and to the floor line. It will be appreciated that the lost motion means may be provided between the upper end of the front guiding link 52 and the seat 26 and eifectively serve the same function.

it will be appreciated that the stop 52a which contacts the rear supporting link 44 to establish the starting position for the supporting linkage could be appropriately positioned to contact the front supporting link 33 for the same purpose.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings, there is shown a reclining chair lift demonstrating further features of the present invention which includes a support or frame 112. having opposite side walls 114-, 166 interconnected by suitable cross braces 118, 129 and supported on depending legs 122. A bodysupporting means, generally designated by the reference numeral 124 and including a seat 126 and a back-rest 123, is mounted on the support 112 for movement from an upright sitting position illustrated in FIG. 4 through a first movement phase into an intermediate, tilted sitting position (not shown) and from the intermediate, tilted sitting position through an infinite number of reclining positions to the fully reclined position illustrated in FIG. 5. in this illustrative embodiment, the seat 126 and the backrest 128 are rigid with each other to provide a reclining chair of the rester type.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat is a legrest 136 which is mounted on a double-four bar or lazy tong type of leg-rest mounting linkage 132 for movement from the stored position illustrated in FIG. 4 to various elevated leg-supporting positions as shown in FIG. 5 wherein the leg-rest 13% is appropriately oriented relative to the body-supporting unit 124 and/ or to the floor line or support 112 to accommodate the legs of the chair occupant in an elevated, but slightly bent position.

A mounting means 134 is provided for mounting the body-supporting unit 124 on the support for movement through the respective first and second movement phases. The mounting means 134- includes a carrier member or link 136 which extends fore and aft of the chair frame 112 and is movably mounted thereon. The carrier member 136 remains stationary during the first movement phase and is displaced rear-wardly relative to the support during the second movement phase. The carrier member 136 is movably mounted on the support 112 by a front supporting link 138 which is pivotally mounted on the support 112 at a front supporting pivot 140 and pivotally connected to the carrier member at a front pivotal connection 142 and a rear supporting link 144 which is pivotally mounted on the support 112 at a rear supporting pivot 146 and pivotally connected to the carrier member 136 at a rear pivotal connection 148. The carrier member 136, the front supporting link 138, and the rear supporting link 144- serve as three movable links of a four-bar supporting linkage which includes as the stationary link thereof the portion of the support intermediate the front and rear supporting pivots 144i, 146.

Means are provided for establishing a stationary position for the supporting link when the body-supporting unit 124 is in the sitting position in which stationary position the supporting linkage remains throughout the first movement phase. In this illustrative embodiment, this means takes the form of a slotted stop 15% which is mounted on the support 112 in straddling relation to the rear supporting link 144. The stop 15% includes a forward abutment 153a against which the rear supporting link 144 rests throughout the movement phase and a rear abutment 15% against which the rear supporting link 14-4 comes to bear at the end of the second movement phase (see FIG. 5).

Guiding means are provided for movably mounting the body-supporting unit 12-4- on the carrier member 136 and on the support 112 which together provide a stationary link or support during the first movement phase. The guiding means includes a front guiding link 152 which has a lost motion connection to the carrier member 136 which includes an elongated slot 154 formed in the lower end of the front guiding link 152 which receives a pin 156 mounted adjacent the forward end of the carrier member 136. In the sitting position illustrated in FIG. 4 and throughout the first movement phase, the pin 156 remains at the upper end of the slot 154 and the weight of the body-supporting unit 124 and of the chair ocoupangi', maintains the links of the supporting linkage in the'relationship illustrated in FIG. 4 whenthe supporting linkage is actuated, the front and rear supporting links E38, 144 will turn in the clockwise direction about their respective supporting pivots 144 146 as will subsequently be described. The upper end of the front guiding link 152 is pivotally connected to the seat 12d of the body-supporting unit 124 at a front guiding pivot 158. The guiding means is completed by a rear guiding link 16%} which has a rear pivotal mount 162 on the support and a rear guiding pivot 154 to the rearward portion of the body-supporting unit 124- at a point spaced from the front guiding link 152.

Provision is made for blocking at least one of the front and rear guiding links 152, 164 against movement relative to the support when the body-supporting unit 124 moves through the first movement phase and into the intermediate, tilted sittin position. In this illustrative arrangement, the rear guiding link 16% contacts the rear cross brace 12% serving as a stop such that during the second movement phase the body-supporting unit 124 turns at its rearward end about the rear guiding pivot 164 serving as a relatively stationary pivotal mount. This turning movement of the body-supporting unit 124 about the rear guiding pivot 164 during the second movement phase is imparted to the supporting linkage including the carrier member 136 via the front guiding link 154 serving as a connecting link. At the start of the second movement phase, there is a lost motion travel of the slot 154 rel-ative to the pin 156 until such time as the lower end of the slot 154 contacts the pin 156 to provide a pivotal connection between the front guiding link 152 and the carrier member 136 of the supporting linkage. After the lost motion travel, the turning movement of the bodysupporting unit 124 about the rear guiding pivot 164 is effective to actuate the supporting linkage, with the front and rear supporting links 138, 144 thereof turning about the respective supporting pivots 140, 1-46. The initial sitting position for the body-supporting unit 124 relative to the carrier member 136 and to the support 112 is established by the cross brace 118 (see FIG. 4) serving as a stop.

The leg-rest mounting linkage 132 includes a first pair of mounting links 166, 168 having a pivotal connection 170 at their adjacent ends and a second pair of mounting links 172, 174 having a pivotal connection 176 at their adjacent ends. The mounting link 172 has a pivotal mount 178 at its upper end on the seat 126. Intermediate its ends, the mounting link 172 crosses over the mounting link 168 and has a pivotal connection 180 thereto. The mounting link 174 has a pivotal connection 182 at its forward end to the leg-rest 130, while the mounting link 168 has a pivotal connection 186 at its forward end to the leg-rest 1311 at a point spaced from the pivotal connection 182. Finally, the mounting link 166 has a pivotal mount 184 on the carrier member 136 at a point spaced forwardly and above the pivotal connection 142 of the carrier member 136 to the front sup porting link 138.

An actuating link 188 is operatively connected to the body-supporting unit 124 and to the leg-rest mounting linkage 132 and is effective during the first movement phase to move the leg-rest 130 from the stored position illustrated in FIG. 4 to an extended and elevated legsupporting position, and as will be described, the overall control arrangement is such as to maintain and/ or adjust the position of the leg-rest 130 in relation to the bodysup'porting unit 124 during the second movement phase. The actuating link 188 has its upper end pivotally connected to the seat 126 coaxially of the pivotal mount 178 and has its lower end pivotally connected to the mounting link 166 at a pivotal connection 190 spaced from the pivotal mount 184 thereof on the carrier member 136.

Since the instant embodiment operates substantially in the same manner as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive, except for the mounting of the leg-rest mounting link 166 on the extension of the carrier member 136 rather than on the front supporting link 138, further description of this embodiment will be dispensed with in the interests of brevity.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6 to 8 of the drawings, there is shown a reclining chair demonstrating features of the present invention which is generally designated by the reference numeral 210 and includes a support or frame having opposite side walls 214, 216 interconnected by suitable cross braces 218, 220 and supported on depending legs 222. A body-supporting means, generally designated by the reference numeral 224 and including a seat 226 and an independently movable backrest 228 is mounted on the support 212 for inclining and reclining movement respectively from an upright sitting position illustrated in FIG. 6 through a first movement phase into an intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 7 with substantially no change in th angular relationship between the seat and back-rest and from the intermediate, tilted sitting position through an infinite number of reclining positions to the fully reclined position illustrated in FIG. 8. In this illustrative embodiment, the seat 226 and the back-rest 228 are movable with respect to each other to provide a reclining chair of the lounger type wherein the angle between the seat and back-rest opens up during the second movement phase.

Disposed beneath the forward end of the seat is a legrest 230 which is mounted on a double-four bar or lazy tong type of leg-rest mounting linkage 232, to be subse quently described in detail, for movement from the stored position illustrated in FIG. 6 to various elevated leg-supporting positions, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the leg-rest 230 is appropriately oriented relative to the body-supporting means 224 and/or to the floor line or support 212 to accommodate the legs of the chair occupant in an elevated, but slightly bent position.

A mounting means, generally designated by the reference numeral 234, is provided for mounting the bodysupporting means or unit 224 on the support for movement through the respective first and second movement phases. The mounting means 234 includes a carrier member or link 236 which extends fore and aft the chair frame 212 and is movably mounted on the support. The carrier member 236 remains stationary during the first movement phase as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 6 and 7 and is displaced upwardly and rearwardly relative to the support during the second movement phase as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 7 and 8. The carrier member 236 is movably mounted on the support by a front supporting link 238 which is pivotally mounted on the support 212 at a front supporting pivot 240 and pivotally connected to the carrier member 236 at a front pivotal connection 242 and a rear supporting link 244 which is pivotally mounted on the support 212 at a rear supporting pivot 246 and pivotally connected to the carrier member 236 at a rear pivotal connection 248. The carrier member 236, the front supporting link 238, and the rear supporting link 244 serve as three movable links of a four-bar supporting linkage which includes as the stationary link thereof the portion of the support intermediate the front and rear supporting pivots 240, 246.

A stop 250 is provided for establishing a stationary position for the supporting links when the body-supporting unit 224 is in the sitting position in which stationary position the supporting linkage remains throughout the first movement phase. The stop 250 is slotted and is mounted on the support 212 in straddling relation to the rear supporting link 244. The stop 250 includes a forward abutment 250:: against which the rear supporting link 244 rests throughout the movement phase and a rear abutment 25% against which the rear supporting link 244 comes to hear at the end of the second movement phase (see FIG. 8).

Guiding means are provided for movably mounting the body-supporting unit 224 on the carrier member 236 and on the support 212 which together provide a stationary link or support during the first movement phase. The guiding means includes a front guiding link 252 which has a pivotal mount 256 at its lower end adjacent the forward end of the carrier member 236. The upper end of the front guiding link 252 is pivotally connected to the seat 226 of the body-supporting unit 224 at a front guiding pivot 258. The guiding means is completed by a double-arm rear guiding lever 26%. The arm 266a serves a rear guiding link and has a rear pivotal mount 262 on the support and a rear guiding pivot 264 to the rearward portion of the seat 226 of the body-supporting unit 224. The arm 26Gb of the rear guiding lever 266 is rigidly connected to the back-rest 228.

Provision is made for blocking at least one of the front and rear guiding links 252, 269a against movement rela tive to the support when the body-supporting unit 224 moves through the first movement phase and into the intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 7. In this illustrative arrangement, the front guiding link 252 contacts an integral extension 23a on the carrier member 236 serving as a stop such that during thesecond movement phase, the seat is guided at its rearward end by the rear guiding link 260a and at its forward end by the supporting linkage. The initial sitting position for the bodysupporting unit 224 relative to the carrier member 236 and to the support is established by the cross brace 218 (see FIG. 6) serving as a stop. I

The leg-rest mounting linkage 232 includes a first pair of mounting links 266, 268 having a pivotal connection 270 at their adjacent ends and a second pair of mounting links 272, 274 having a pivotal connection 276 at their adjacent ends. The mounting link 272 has a pivotal mount 278 at its upper end on the seat 226. Intermediate its ends the mounting link 272 crosses over the mounting link 268 and has a pivotal connection 280 thereto. The mounting link 274 has a pivotal connection 282 at its forward end to the leg-rest 23%, while the mounting link 258 has a pivotal connection 286 at its forward end to the leg-rest 230 at a point spaced from the pivotal connection 282. Finally, the mounting link 266 has a pivotal mount 284 on the forward and upper end of the supporting link 238 at a point spaced forwardly and above the pivotal connection 242 of the carrier member 236 to the front supporting link 238.

An actuating link 288 is operatively connected to the seat 226 and to the leg-rest mounting linkage 232 and is efiective during the first movement phase to move the leg-rest from the stored position illustrated in FIG. 6 to the extended and elevated leg-supporting position illustrated in FIG. 7. As will be described, the overall control arrangement is such as to maintain and/ or adjust the position of the leg-rest 239 in relation to the seat of the body-supporting unit 224 during the second movement phase. The actuating link 288 has its upper end pivotally connected to the seat 226 coaxially' of the pivotal mount 27? and has its lower end pivotally connected to the mounting link 266 at a pivotal connection 2% spaced from the pivotal mounts 284 thereof on the supporting link 238 of the supporting linkage.

During the first movement phase, the carrier member 236 and the front and rear supporting links 238, 244 remain stationary such that the pivotal mounts 284 of the leg-rest mounting linkage 232 is effectively stationary. Accordingly, in response to the upward and. rearward tilting movement of the seat 226 of the body-supporting unit 22 5 from the sitting position illustrated in FIG. 6 to the intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 7 under the control of the four-bar guiding linkage including the front and rear guiding links 252, Ztla, the mounting link 266 will be turned in the clockwise direction about the pivotal mount 2S4 incident to the pulling force exerted thereon by the actuating link 1288. This swings the leg-rest 23% from the stored position illustratedin FIG. 6 to the extended and elevated leg-supporting position illustrated in FIG. 7. During the second movement phase, the seat 2225 continues to turn about the rear pivotal mount 262, with the front guiding link 252 blocked against turning movement, and exerts a pulling force via the actuating link 288 on the mounting link 266 which has a tendency to continue to turn the mounting link about the pivotal mount 234. Concurrent with this turning movement of the mounting link 266 about the pivotal mount 284-, the supporting linkage 236, 238, 244 is displaced upwardly and rearwardly relative to the support, with the front and rear supporting link 238, 244 turning in the clockwise direction about the supporting pivots 2413, 246. This displacement moves the pivotal mount 234- of the mounting link 266 upwardly and rearwardly concurrent wiLh the turning movement of the mounting link 266 about its pivotal mount 284 to bring about an adjustment or compensation in the elevated leg- 12 supporting position of the leg-rest 230 during the second movement phase.

In order to facilitate a more thorough understanding of this illustrative embodiment according to the present invention, there follows a description of a typical sequence of operations:

When the chair occupant is seated in the body-supporting unit 224 and urges his or her weight rearwardly relative to the support 210, the body-supporting unit moves rearwardly with respect to the relatively stationary carrier member 236 and the support 212. During such first movement phase the seat and back-rest of the bodysupporting unit 224 is guided by the four-bar guiding linkage which includes the front guiding link 252 and the rear guiding link 260. The body-supporting unit 224 moves into the intermediate, tilted sitting position illustrated in FIG. 7 which position is established when the front guiding link 252 contacts the extension 236a serving as a stop. There is a slight opening up of the angle between the seat 226 and the back-rest 228 during such first movement phase. The leg-rest 23% is elevated incident to the turning of the mounting link 266 about the relatively stationary pivotal mount 284. Throughout the first movement phase, the Weight of the body-supporting unit and of the occupant is effective tomaintain the rear supporting link 244 against the front abutment 256a. When the chair arrives at its intermediate, tilted sitting position of FIG. 7, the leg-rest is elevated and extended forwardly of the seat 226 and is in an appropriate attitude both in relation to the body-supporting unit 224 and to: the support 212 to comfortably accommodate the legs of the chair occupant.

In response to continued rearward pressure against the back-rest 228, the second movement phase will be initiated with the seat 226 being guided by the supporting linkage and the rear guiding arm or link 269a and with the back-rest 228 turning about the pivotal mount 262. During the second movement phase, the leg-rest 236) is maintained in an elevated leg-supporting position but its attitude and elevation is changed due to the turning movement of the mounting link 266 about the pivotal mount 234 and the corresponding movement of the other mounting links of the leg-rest linkage 232 and the concurrent rearward displacement of the pivotal mount 284. The end :of the second movement phase is established when the rear supporting link 244 contacts the rear abutment 250b, The reverse sequence may be initiated when the chair occupant leans forwardly and presses'down against the leg-rest 230.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention Will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

What I claim is:

1. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means including a seat and back-rest, mounting means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting means on said support for movement through a first movement phase from a sitting position to an intermediate, tilted sitting position and through a second movement phase from said intermediate, tilted sitting position to a reclining position, said mounting means including a carrier member, a front supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a front supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a front pivotal connection, a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a rear pivotal connection, said carrier member and front and rear supporting links serving as three movable links of a fourbar supporting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate said front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof, guiding means movably mounting said body-supporting means on said carrier member and said support, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage operatively connected to said four-bar supporting linkage and mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position in response to movement of the body-supporting means, and actuating means including a link pivotally connected to said body-supporting means and to said leg-rest mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position as said body-supporting means moves into said intermediate, tilted sitting position, said guiding means moving during said first movement phase to guide said body-supporting means into said intermediate, tilted sitting position, said supporting linkage being efiective during said second movement phase to guide said body-supporting means into said fully reclined position and to adjust the elevated leg-supporting position of said leg-rest relative to said body-supporting means and to said support.

2. A reclining chair according to claim '1 wherein said body-supporting means includes a unitary seat and backrest.

3. A reclining chair according to claim 1 wherein said body-supporting means includes a seat movably mounted on said carrier member and said support by said guiding means and a back-rest pivotally mounted on said seat.

4. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means including a seat and back-rest, mounting means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting means on said support for movement through a first movement phase from a sitting position to an intermediate, tilted sitting position and through a second movement phase from said intermediate, tilted sitting position to a reclining position, said mounting means including a carrier member, a front supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a front supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a front pivotal connection, a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a rear pivotal connection, said carrier member and front and rear supporting links serving as three movable links of a fourbar supporting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate said front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof, guiding means movably mounting said body-supporting means on said carrier member and said support, said guiding means including a front guiding link, means pivotally mounting said front guiding link on said carrier member at a front pivotal mount and connecting said front guiding link to said body-supporting means at a (front guiding pivot, a rear guiding link, means pivotally mounting said rear guiding link on said support at a rear pivotal mount and pivotally connecting said rear guiding link to said body-supporting means at a rear guiding pivot, a leg-rest, a legrest mounting linkage operatively connected to said four-bar supporting linkage and mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position in response to movement of the body-supporting means, and actuating means including a link pivotally connected to said bodysupporting means and to said leg-rest mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position as said body-supporting means moves into said intermediate, tilted sitting position, said front and rear guiding links turning during said first movement phase about said front and rear pivotal mounts to guide said body-supporting means into said intermediate, tilted sitting position, said supporting linkage being etfective during said second movement phase to guide said body-supporting means into said fully reclined position and to adjust the elevated leg-supporting position of said leg-rest relative to said body-supporting means and to said support.

5. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means including a seat and back-rest, mounting means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting means on said support for movement through a first movement phase from a sitting position to an intermediate, tilted sitting position and through a second movement phase from said intermediate, tilted sitting position to a reclining position, said mounting means including a carrier member, a front supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a front supporting pivot and pivot-ally connected to said carrier member at a front pivotal connection, a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a rear pivotal connection, said carrier member and front and rear supporting links serving as three movable links of a four-bar supponting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate said front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof, guiding means movably mounting said body-sup porting means on said carrier member and said support, said guiding means including a front guiding link, means pivotally mounting said front guiding link on said carrier member at a front pivotal mount and connecting said front guiding link to said body-supporting means at a front guiding pivot, a rear guiding link, means pivotally mounting said rear guiding link on said support at a rear pivotal mount and pivotally connecting said rear guiding link to said body-supporting means at a rear guiding pivot, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage operatively connected to said four-bar supporting linkage and mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-support ing position in response to movement of the body-supporting means, and an actuating link pivotally connected to said body-supporting means and to said second mounting link of said leg-rest mounting linkage for moving said legrest into said elevated leg-supporting position as said bodysupporting means moves into said intermediate, tilted sitting position.

6. A reclining chair comprising a support, bodysupporting means including a seat and back-rest, mounting means operatively connected to and mounting said body-supporting means on said support for movement through a first movement phase from a sitting position to an intermediate, tilted sitting position and through a second movement phase from said intermediate, tilted sitting position to a reclining position, said mounting means including a carrier member, a front supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a front supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a front pivotal connection, a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a rear pivotal connection, said carrier member and front and rear supporting links serving as three movable links of a four- =bar supporting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate said front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof, guiding means mov-ably mounting said body-supporting means on said carrier member and said support, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage operatively connected to said four-bar supporting linkage and mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position in response to movement of the body-supporting means, said leg-rest mounting linkage including at least a first mounting link having a first pivotal mount on said body-supporting means and a second mounting link having a second pivotal mount on said supporting linkage, an actuating link pivotally connected to said body-supporting means and to said second mounting link of said leg-rest mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position as said body-supporting means moves into said intermediate, tilted sitting position, said guiding means moving during said first movement phase to guide said body-supporting means into said intermediate, tilted sitting position, means for blocking said guiding means when said body-supporting means moves into said intermediate, tilted sitting position at the end of said first movement phase, said supporting linkage being effective during said second movement phase to guide said body-supporting means into said fully reclined position and to adjust the elevated leg-supporting position of said leg-rest relative to said body-supporting means and to said support.

7. A reclining chair comprising a support, body-supporting means including a seat and back-rest, mounting means operatively connected to and mounting said bodysupporting means on said support for movement through a first movement phase from a sitting position to an intermediate, tilted sitting position and through a second movement phase from said intermediate, tilted sitting position to a reclining position, said mounting means including a carrier member, a front supportinglinkpivotally mounted on said support at a front supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member :at a front pivotal connection, a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a rear pivotal connection, said carrier member and front and rear supporting links serving as three movable links of a four-bar supporting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate said front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof, means for establishing a stationary position for said supporting linkage in which said supporting linkage remains throughout the first movement phase, guiding means movably mounting said bodysupporting means on said carrier member and said support, said guiding means including a front guiding link, means pivotally mounting said front guiding link on said carrier member at a front pivotal mount and connecting said front guiding link to said body-supporting means at a front guiding pivot, a rear guiding link, means pivotally mounting said rear guiding link on said support at a rear pivotal mount and pivotally connecting said rear guiding link to said body-supponting means at a rear guiding pivot, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage operatively connected to said four-bar supporting linkage and mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position in response to movement of the body-supporting means, said leg-rest mounting linkage including at least a first mounting link having a first pivotal mount on said body-supporting means and a second mounting link having a second pivotal mount on said supporting linkage, and an actuating link pivotally connected to said bodysupporting means and to said second mounting link of said leg-rest mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position as said bodysupporting means moves into said intermediate, til-ted sitting position.

8. A reclining chair comprising a support, bodysupporting means including a seat and back-rest, mounting means operatively connected to and mounting said body-supporting means on said support for movement through a first movement phase from a sitting position to an intermediate tilted sitting position and through a second movement phase from said intermediate tilted sitting position to a reclining position, said mounting means including a carrier member, a front supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a front supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a front pivotal connection, a rear supporting link pivotally mounted on said support at a rear supporting pivot and pivotally connected to said carrier member at a rear pivotal connection, said carrier member and front and rear supporting links serving as three movable links of a fourbar supporting linkage including the portion of the support intermediate said front and rear supporting pivots as the stationary link thereof, means for establishing a stationary position for said supporting linkage in which said supporting linkage remains throughout the first movement phase, guiding means movably mounting said bodysupporting means on said carrier member and said support, said guiding means including a front guiding link, means including a lost motion connection pivotally mounting said front guiding link on said carrier member at a front pivotal mount and connecting said front guiding link to saidbody-supponting means at a front guiding pivot, said lost motion connection providing a delayed coupling of said front guiding link to said supporting linkage at the start of said second movement phase, a rear guiding link, means pivotally mounting said rear guiding link on said support at a rear pivotal mount and pivotally connecting said rear guiding link to said body-supporting means at a rear guiding pivot, a leg-rest, a leg-rest mounting linkage operatively connected to said four-bar supporting linkage and mounting said leg-rest for movement into an elevated leg-supporting position in response to movement of the body-supporting means, sai leg-rest mounting linkage ineluding at least a first mounting link having a first pivotal mount on said body-supporting means and a second mounting link having a second pivotal mount on said supporting linkage, and an actuating link pivotally connected to said body-supporting means and to said second mounting link of said leg-rest mounting linkage for moving said leg-rest into said elevated leg-supporting position as said body-supporting means moves into said interme diate, tilted sit-ting position.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,229,447 Hammond June 12, 1917 2,890,743 Schliephacke June 16, 1959 2,918,113 Lorenz Dec. 22, 1959 2,940,510 Schliephacke June 14, 1960 2,941,581 Fletcher June 21, 1960 2,962,084 Pickles Nov. 29, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS 360,315 Great Britain Nov. 5, 1931 ima 

1. A RECLINING CHAIR COMPRISING A SUPPORT, BODY-SUPPORTING MEANS INCLUDING A SEAT AND BACK-REST, MOUNTING MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO AND MOUNTING SAID BODYSUPPORTING MEANS ON SAID SUPPORT FOR MOVEMENT THROUGH A FIRST MOVEMENT PHASE FROM A SITTING POSITION TO AN INTERMEDIATE, TILTED SITTING POSITION AND THROUGH A SECOND MOVEMENT PHASE FROM SAID INTERMEDIATE, TILTED SITTING POSITION TO A RECLINING POSITION, SAID MOUNTING MEANS INCLUDING A CARRIER MEMBER, A FRONT SUPPORTING LINK PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT AT A FRONT SUPPORTING PIVOT AND PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID CARRIER MEMBER AT A FRONT PIVOTAL CONNECTION, A REAR SUPPORTING LINK PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT AT A REAR SUPPORTING PIVOT AND PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID CARRIER MEMBER AT A REAR PIVOTAL CONNECTION, SAID CARRIER MEMBER AND FRONT AND REAR SUPPORTING LINKS SERVING AS THREE MOVABLE LINKS OF A FOURBAR SUPPORTING LINKAGE INCLUDING THE PORTION OF THE SUPPORT INTERMEDIATE SAID FRONT AND REAR SUPPORTING PIVOTS AS THE STATIONARY LINK THEREOF, GUIDING MEANS MOVABLY MOUNTING SAID BODY-SUPPORTING MEANS ON SAID CARRIER MEMBER AND SAID SUPPORT, A LEG-REST, A LEG-REST MOUNTING LINKAGE OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO SAID FOUR-BAR SUPPORTING LINKAGE AND MOUNTING SAID LEG-REST FOR MOVEMENT INTO AN 